Jim Franklin Lawson

Jim Franklin Lawson, aged 89, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, passed away on August 26, 2025, in a local nursing home. He was born on April 14, 1936, in Marietta, Oklahoma, to the late J.B. Lawson and Clara Ruth (Keltner) Coulter.

Jim graduated from Marietta High School in 1955 and later married Evelyn Dodson in 1965. Together, they raised three daughters: Dorothy, Frankie, and Jimmie. Throughout his life, Jim worked in various mechanic positions, including time spent at the Marietta Cookie Factory and service stations, as well as serving as a contracting truck driver for the United States Postal Service.

A devoted Christian, Jim was a longstanding member of Eastside Baptist Church and was actively involved in prison ministry. His passions included cars—particularly Dodge vehicles—stock car racing, bowling, and attending Marietta High School football games, demonstrating his love for the community and its youth.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Max Lawson, his sister Clara Reece Claunch, grandson Michael Whatley, and granddaughter Jessica Miller. He is survived by his daughters, Dorothy J. Berry and husband Jeral, Frankie R. Lawson, and Jimmie M. Honeycutt and husband Brandon; his sister Brenda Ringwald and husband Dennis; eight grandchildren, Kasi Rawdon, Kristan Murphy, Cody Welch, Rhyan Denton, Jacob Honeycutt, Gabby Hokanson, Trevor Honeycutt, and Daniel Whatley; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson, with Pastor Ben Hokanson officiating. Interment will follow at McAlister Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Cody Welch, Jacob Honeycutt, Trevor Honeycutt, Camron Murphy, Charles Rawdon, Daniel Whatley, and Andrew Perkins.  Honorary bearer will be the late Michael Whatley. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Cross Timbers Hospice and Brighten Senior Living Center at Lakeland Manor for the exceptional care provided to Jim during his time there.

Memories of Jim may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.